ALAN adds targeted mapping tool

   The American Logistics Aid Network (ALAN) has launched a new capabilities mapping tool that will allow it to geographically target companies with the potential to provide resources during disasters.
   The project is funded by grants from The UPS Foundation and the Regional Catastrophic Preparedness Grant Program, Project on Supply Chain Resilience.
   The capabilities mapping tool is a geo-coding tool that will be populated with data on the member companies from ALAN’s 21 association partners. Companies will be categorized according to their key product or service offerings and geographic footprint. These maps will show the location of resources meeting the needs identified through the National Donations Management Network. This will allow ALAN to identify the organizations best able to meet a specific disaster need, such as logistics support, water, food, pharmaceuticals, essential medical care, and shelter, and then reach out to them personally. 
   The system was successfully used for a recent exercise testing response to a nuclear incident with the New Hampshire Voluntary Organizations Active in Disaster (NHVOAD). Additionally, a trial was completed for potential Red Cross needs.
   “Through ALAN’s association partners, we are able to mobilize a large network of companies within the supply chain industry,” said Jock Menzies, president of ALAN, in a statement. “Following a disaster, there is great need for specific items such as water, food, etc., and delivery of those items is one of the largest costs in disaster aid. Private sector logistics companies have the capacity and desire to help, especially when the disaster occurs within their region.”
   “The UPS Foundation is proud to be a part of this collaboration between private public partnership, ALAN, and government agencies to enhance community resilience,” said Eduardo Martinez, foundation president. “In 2011, UPS moved more than 200 in-kind shipments to 34 countries. We transported more than 6.6 million pounds of food and relief supplies providing more than $2.7 million dollars of in-kind services.”
   To learn more about ALAN, access the Website.